Unfunny Bunny

In a double picture book debut, veteran SNL funny guys Thompson and Tucker communicate how a casually delivered tight set can require ample effort from the person holding the microphone. After cycling through potential personas, Bunny bounds into his first day of school with visions of comedy stardom, but the character’s confidence quickly deflates when his awkward delivery and clunky jokes bomb—his peers even dub the character “UNfunny Bunny.” Luckily, classmate Hedgehog sees the potential in Bunny’s humor (“Why are socks so good at golf? Because there’s always a hole in one!”) and offers to be his companion in comedy. A series of vignettes depict the duo engaging with each other and the work as they craft jokes and hone Bunny’s timing. Slick digital cartooning from Neal (They’re So Flamboyant), pictures the protagonist in a bright red suit and sneakers amid tough-crowd schoolmates until he at last garners a big laugh. Becoming class clown isn’t just about natural talent, these seasoned creators hint—it’s about dedication and finding simpatico collaborators to help one earn every laugh. Further jokes conclude. Ages 3–6. (Jan.)